LIGHTING

Hero Splendor Plus Spoke Kick Review

27 Jan, 2015 06:58 PM

Review

Splendor has always been Hero’s largest selling bike. This bike has made Hero what it is today. Currently, Hero sells one of its variants as Splendor Plus which was launched almost four years ago. Recently, Hero has revised this bike after their separation from Honda. Let’s know more about this bike.

Design and Style

It’s never easy to figure out something new in the visual appearance of Splendor. Its basic design has never been altered and that’s the reason why we are so familiar to this bike that even if there is something new, it can easily be neglected. There is no element of surprise in this bike in terms of styling. It looks aged with no major changes except for graphics. It features the same boxy cowl with new graphics. Its headlight and orange coloured indicators are also quite familiar. For a change, this bike features silver coloured alloy wheels. Rear view mirrors are still black in colour similar to HF Dawn and Deluxe. Its fuel tank and side panels also get new graphics. Chromed carrier is now a standard part of this bike. The new black coloured muffler gets a chrome shield on it. Rear fender comes with a light reflector and its tail light looks very old if you compare it with others. There is hardly anything stylish in this bike.

Instrument Console

Hero Splendor Plus has twin circular pods in its instrument console. Apart from these dials, there are also other indicators in this console. One of the dials features an analogue speedometer and odometer while the other one features an analogue fuel gauge.

Engine and Gearbox

Hero Splendor Plus shares its engine with its entry level siblings HF Dawn and Deluxe. It’s a mono-cylinder, 4-stroke 100cc engine. The power and torque output of this air-cooled engine is 7.4 bhp and 7.95 Nm. These figures are achieved at 8000 rpm and 5000 rpm respectively. This OHC engine is mated with a four speed manual gearbox with all gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This engine has been the biggest contributor to Splendor’s phenomenal success. This state of engine used in this bike is comparatively slower than other variants of the bike. This bike uses its maximum power at 8000 rpm which makes the difference. Torque output is also delayed in this bike which makes it a slow bike in city traffic. There is nothing exciting in the performance of this engine. In fact it’s quite predictable in terms of power delivery. If you compare this engine with Bajaj Platina then you will find it much slower and lazy. The bike will find it hard to cross the speed of 80km/hr and takes more than 9 seconds to complete 0-60km/hr. Good thing about this engine is its refinement which bothers you least at high speeds. It even doesn’t vibrate much at high speeds whereas vibration is a major concern in other 100cc bikes. Its second and third gears are a bit taller which results in to frequent gear shifting and poor acceleration. It’s not that responsive at lower rpms but performs best after 3000rpm. However gear transitions are very smooth and it’s quite convenient to use its gearbox.

Mileage

Splendor re-defined fuel efficiency in India. Its lightweight and taller gear ratios make it a very fuel efficient bike. Its fuel efficiency ranges from 65-70km/ltr in city conditions and on highways this refined engine can even return a mileage of around 72-75km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

You may find its seating a bit low in comparison to others. It’s a small bike and it gets clear as soon as you get on to this bike. Its handle bar and foot pegs are placed in such a manner that you find yourself in a relaxed position. Its seat is not too wide but still it provides you proper comfort. The plastic quality of the buttons placed on its handlebar is a let-down.

Storage and Safety Features

Apart from its carrier and bag hook at the back, this bike also has a utility box and under seat storage space. Splendor Plus also sports safety features like pass button, front leg guard and powerful multi-reflector headlight for clear visibility at night.

Suspension and Brakes

Hero has altered the suspension system of this bike for more comfortable and stress free rides. It features telescopic forks at its front and adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers with swing arm at the back. It has a powerful braking system which can effectively stop this bike. Similar to Passion, it’s also equipped with drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels.

Ride and Handling

There is no fun in the handling of this bike. Its bland handling never encourages you to drive it fast. The suspension system of this bike is specially designed for Indian conditions but with a pillion rider, things are not that impressive. Bigger potholes can easily bother you and the bike finds it hard to settle on uneven conditions. High speed stability is also a matter of concern. It has a short wheelbase (1230mm) and ground clearance of 159mm which reduces its stability. It’s strictly advised not to drive this bike fast around corners.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

R18 sizes of tyres are available in this bike with optional Spoke and alloy wheels. Hero offers this bike in two variants and five shades.

Verdict

These two variants are priced at INR 43K and 44K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)) respectively. The bike lacks style factor, performance and exclusivity. Moreover even at this price, there is no option of self-start. It’s certainly overpriced and there are very less qualities in this bike which can justify its high pricing. When one can have a much stylish and comfortable bike like Bajaj Discover100 at the same price then there is no point of spending money on this bike. We don’t find it a complete value for money bike as you just can’t buy any bike for the reason that it’s a renowned product of a trust-able brand. Be practical not emotional.